If you live in Essex and are stuck on what to buy your loved ones for Christmas, this guide is here to save you.
1. Wine
A bottle of wine can make a great gift.
Essex has around 15 vineyards throughout the county and many of them have wine shops where the general public can pick up a bottle of bubbles.
The Newhall Vineyard in Purleigh has a shop open to the public and is having a Christmas wine sale on December 2-3.
During the wine sale, it will have a Christmas-themed barn complete with Santa’s Grotto which offers free mulled wine and mince pies.
2. Gin
Do you know a gin lover? This fruit flavoured gin could be the perfect gift.
Wilkins of Tiptree has teamed up with local gin producer Hayman’s to produce fruit gin liqueurs.
They are available in the following flavours – Little Scarlet, Damson, Raspberry and Rhubarb.
You can get your hands on them in the Tiptree Café Patisserie and Shop in Chelmsford but they can also be purchased online here.
3. Zookeeper for the Day
A present which everyone will love.
Why not buy a loved one the gift of being a zookeeper at Colchester Zoo for the day?
They will have the chance to feed the meerkats, elephants, penguins and more, on an exciting day out at one of Europe’s largest zoos.
You can purchase a voucher from the zoo shop or online.
4. Brewer for the Day
This gift is great for any beer lover as it allows them to become a brewer for the day.
This experience is being offered at Brentwood Brewing Company and Billericay Brewery.
You will have the chance to sample ales, pour a pint, and produce your own beer.
For more details and to book visit the websites – Brentwood Brewing Company and Billericay Brewing Company.
5. Spa day
A gift of relaxation and pampering. If you are stuck for ideas you can’t go wrong with a spa day.
There are plenty to pick from in Essex from Lifehouse at Thorpe-le-Soken, Greenwoods in Stock, Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel & Spa and Aqua Springs at Colchester Leisure World.
With luxurious treatment and beautiful surroundings it will be a present they won’t forget. For more details visit the spa sites.
6. Hotel stay
Everybody enjoys a stay at a hotel, so why not arrange it for your parents’ present?
Essex has many hotels to choose from such as the Maison Talbooth, Dedham Vale and Constable Country and Milsoms.
The hotels have beautiful surroundings and great features. The Maison Talbooth has a heated outdoor pool all year round.
To book a stay in one of the hotels visit the website.
7. Wildlife Trust membership
Do you have an animal lover in your life?
The Wildlife Trust membership is perfect for them as they will know their present is helping wildlife and animals.
Members of the Essex Wildlife Trust receive three editions of Essex Wildlife magazine a year, three event guides, a reserves guide, and an annual report to see how membership money is being spent. To find out more visit the website.
8. Craft class
Treat a loved one to a day out at Barleylands Farm Park.
It is home to more than 60 studios where you can watch crafters in action and join in with classes.
If you aren’t local to Essex, think out of the box and book a family member into a local craft class near you.
For more details on Barleylands visit the website here or take a look at craft classes near you here.
9. Vouchers
If you are really stuck there are always gift vouchers.
You can get gift vouchers from almost every shop now, from clothes shops, restaurants, DIY stores and supermarkets.
Perhaps a family member is in the process of saving up for something? Help them with a gift voucher.
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